Bolivar, MO – The Crowder College Speech and Debate team had an excellent first tournament of the season. The team of John Winnett, Kalyn Finley, and Tessa Shaw worked together to best State Fair Community College for the title of Top Community College. In addition, our students placed in the top ten in six unique events. Individual awards are as follows:
John Winnett placed in the top ten placement in Interviewing.
Kalyn Finley, a true novice to the event and newest member of the team, placed 5th in informative speaking giving her speech on the vital role of water in our communities. In addition, she was a semi-finalist in IPDA debate, beating Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the quarterfinal round.
Tessa Shaw was the champion in poetry reading performances. She placed 2nd in Program of oral Interpretation, and 7th in Prose reading.
Crowder Alum, Julian Garrett, now attending Missouri State University, placed 3rd in After Dinner Speaking, 5th in Prose Reading, and was among the top 10 ranked speakers in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
“A notable part of the speech and debate community is that we are not divided into divisions, classes, or by size”, stated Kristen Stout, Speech and Debate Coach. “Our students compete against everyone, from other community colleges all the way up to the largest universities. This weekend we competed against 12 other schools including in-state competitors like Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, Webster, and State Fair Community College as well as out of state competitors from Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. This makes each win all the more impressive.”
The team will be traveling to the University of Central Missouri for their next competition.
